Cosplay FAQ’s

This is for the younger ones - so 12 and under and is all about the fun. It is FREE to Enter

2. Rookies Cosplay

This is for those Cosplayers 13+ and is focused on allowing those who may be new to cosplay or just love showing off their costumes. See more detail on the FAQ about Rookie. It is FREE to enter

3. Open Cosplay

This is for those serious about Cosplay and love to compete -- oh and did we mention there is prize money in this one!!

4. Group Cosplay

This one is for you and your mates to have some fun and is FREE to enter

Do i need to register?

Yes as spots will fill fast and we need to make sure all is ready at CosplayHQ desk. There are the following spots available:

1. Junior Cosplay -- 80 Spots

2. Rookie Cosplay - 100 Spots

3. Open Cosplay - 100 Spots

4. Group Cosplay - 30 Team Spots

How do i register?

If you want to enter the Cosplay competitions you need to pre-register as spots will fill up fast. You will find the links on the COSPLAY page and the respective categories.

What is the difference with the categories?

We wanted to shake things up a little with and make things a little more fun.

Junior Cosplay – is a mixture of all costumes and is all about the fun and showcase of our little cosplayers. Preference is for hand made costumes though

Rookie Cosplay – has a break up of:

First Timer

Hand Made

Purchased

Rookie

Hand Made

Purchased

Open Cosplay – is only hand made costumes

How many categories can i do?

Well if you wish to do both days you can certainly enter all three if you like. So you could do Rookies on Saturday and Group or Open Cosplay on Sunday.

Will my weapons be confiscated?

As long as your props comply with our Weapons Policy, you won’t run into any issues.

Don’t be afraid to check your weapons or props in though, as you can take them out again to take photos or enter the competition. If you are still unsure if your weapons or props will be ok, please email us.

If you have worn your costume for any other competition at any convention and have won an award, you will not be able to win in this competition.

Can I buy my Costume?

You sure can buy your costume, but the only category that you will be eligible to win is within the Junior or Rookie Divisions held on Saturday. The Opens Division on Sunday must be hand made costumes. We prefer it if you make your costume yourself, or if a bought costume has been significantly altered.

There is an option in the entry process that asks if you have purchased or made your costume and competitors will be grouped into the respective categories so it is a level playing field.

Do i have to do a performance?

You don’t actually have to do a performance at all if you don’t want to. If you are comfortable with performing, then this is a good opportunity to add to your cosplay. Performing in character will always reinforce your cosplay and make you more believable in your portrayal of your character

What is the age cutoff for Juniors?

This one is for our little Cosplayers aged 12 and under

Can i register on the day?

If there are spots left yes — but this is a high risk as spots fill fast. You can do so via the eform on the Cosplay page from 10:00am to 11:00am each day.

What is the Rookie Cosplay?

We want to change things up a little in the Cosplay world and provide a broader playing field. This category used to be known as “Beginners” however are you really? Well, what have done is made this category have two divisions within. These are First Timers and then Rookie. So a first timer is exactly that — your first time on a Cosplay stage. Then the Rookie is for the everybody else who wants to Cosplay for fun. The only rule for this is that IF YOU HAVE WON a cosplay comp before you must do “OPEN” Cosplay.

What happens when i get on stage?

After the prejudging is completed ( See prejudging question for info on this ) our marshalls will have you in groups of 10 maximum and you are introduced on the stage one by one. Once you finish your short moment of fame on the red line you stay on stage and move back to the yellow line on the stage ( we call this the holding line ) then the next person is introduced onto the stage. You may be used to being ushered off stage but we do things a little differently in MagnetiCon as we want you to enjoy that stage and show off your hard work. Plus it gives the Judges more time to look over and compare you all.

What costume can i wear?

Anything that complies with our Cosplay Guidelines is acceptable and of course, matches with the division you choose

If you have worn your costume for any other competition at any convention and have won an award, you will not be able to win in this competition.

Why does it cost to enter the Open Cospaly?

Well, that’s easy — Cause you can WIN money! Share in over a $1000 in cash and Prizes with a guaranteed $500 cash for 1st place.

We know it costs a lot of money and time to build your costumes and the Open Cosplay deserves the rewards

Can i have powered items on my costume?

Yes you can as long as they are self-powered -- ie: use a battery powered source

What happens if i act like a Diva?

Well you will be politely asked to remove yourself from the competition as we want the entire experience for all to be fun and stressfree. We get you may be stressed however there are experienced helpers around to assist but please act respectfully to everyone.

Can i have music to my stage performance?

This is only available to the OPEN cosplay entries and GROUP Cosplay. Files must be provided within 3 days prior to the event and in MP3 format.